Thursday, May 22, 2014

tranquilosophy: milestones {+ giveaway}

a fave saying despite it being {unfortunately} aligned with a cigarette ad campaign. i mean, we *have* come a long way. on many levels.

it can be hard to remember this as we go about our daily routines dealing with the monotony of commutes, laundry, grocery shopping, and teeth cleaning. you know, the not-so-sexy stuff.

while getting my brows waxed recently, my waxing extraordinaire said that i hadn't changed at all in our ten years together. while i appreciate the sentiment, she sees me once every other month and changes are often, well, subtle. ten pounds come, five pounds go. hair has long pink highlights, hair is short brown bob. loved ones die, a kitten is adopted. and on and on.

change is like watching your hair grow.

it's slow, tedious, and sometimes has that awkward growing out phase. complete with bobby pins.

for the past many years i've been keeping a tranquility timeline where i note various highlights and evolutions. there are so many shifts on a daily basis, yet often it can feel as if we haven't changed at all.

i have. you have. note the milestones. they deserve attention.

in honor of the past 10 years of blogging, i'm pulling together a blog anthology. although i haven't seen this done, it feels like a beautiful way to honor our evolution together since 2004.

since last summer i've worked with a dear soul {thanks jen!} to tag the nearly 3000 blog posts, le beau to pull together the most loved posts on specific topics, and now with another dear soul {thanks carol!} to curate and edit.

next will be adding *new* inspiration {20% more}, aligning photos with posts, and turning it over to my designer to pretty up.

as i work to infuse this project with as much love and intention as possible,

i'm asking for your input.

* do you have a favorite post that must be included? {there's a search button in the upper right corner and categories on the left to help}

* is there something that would help bring clarity to your reading of tranquility du jour?

* is there something you wish you knew or understood better that i muse upon here?

41 comments:

Kimberly you are my idol. You have inspired me in more ways then I can count on both of my hands. I adore your blog, podcast, instagram, and YouTube videos. You are an amazing inspiration and have changed my life.

If I think of the blog posts that really stand out for me (I had to 'not' think about this as I love them all), the one where you posted pictures of the rooms in your home come to mind and also the posts from Paris. Loved seeing your home and especially loved feeling like I was living through you on your trips to France. I remember you taking the perfume class and I even send the post to my Mom as I found it exceptionally 'cool'. ;)

Kimberly, I have been following you since I read about you in an article in 2009. I think doing a blog anthology is a GREAT idea, although I believe I may have read every single post.

Here is some input / feedback:

- My favorite pose is half-pigeon or any hip opener, really. I think it's symbolic. Those of us who are sitting at computers all day, reading blogs like yours, need hip openers badly! :-)

- I personally love how open you've been in your blog. However, I think I'd like more information on the missteps or mistakes that have happened along the way. You teach us so much but I think we could learn from your mistakes too.

Hope this helps and keep up all the great work. You are inspiration!! xoxo-Molly http://rebelyogaonline.com

Always an inspiration, my favourite posts are the tranquilosophy ones. How can we continue to strive to be better versions of ourselves everyday. I would also love to know more about how your yoga practice has evolved over the years & your favorite ways of staying in shape xxxxx

I have come to rely on your postings as my oasis of 'tranquility'. You are a constant inspiration and I am proud to carry around my pink day book. I've even gotten my daughters (23, 21) to check out your posts.

Kimberly, your blog is my very favorite and you've inspired me to make changes in my life that have made it so much better. What I'd love to see in the book is a few posts demonstrating how you got an idea and took it from that into a realized project. I think it would provide a nice road map and be inspiring to people who are trying to make their own dream projects reality.

I am a fairly new-ish reader (~4-mo). After finding your blog, I felt like I was home, in a sense (I, too, am an INFJ and Vata-Pitta - no joke!).

I look forward to your Tranquilosophy posts and your deep thoughts/reflections on various topics. I love to see what you've been reading, which I can often find in your Week-In-Review posts (I have a slight obsession with books!). I also love hearing about the ways you constantly strive to challenge yourself and gives me ideas on ways to stretch myself, too (today is day 10 of 10 of the No-Added-Sugar challenge for me!).

I have been sitting here trying to think of any suggestions that I may have in regards to improving your blog/work, however, I cannot think of anything at this time. So much inspiration can be found here, and for that, thank you.

Kimberly - I met you at a book signing in Ft. Lauderdale in 2008 (May or June I think). My life has never been the same :-). As a single mother of 3 sons, my "girlie-ness" was non-existent until I met the Hip Tranquil Chick. I follow your blog and podcast religiously. I own a number of pieces of Tranquilit...just got the Ruched Skirt Pant...Love it!! I have your books and have taken most of your e-courses....Next goal Paris 2015.

I love your posts on style. Those are always my favorite. Whether it is fashion style and/or life style, the support from you to march to your own beat is fantastic. Most others try to beat that out of you.

You have made mention lately about getting older and how things change...physically, emotionally, etc. I see that being the topic of maybe some future blog posts and podcasts and look forward to your insight as it isn't easy for anyone.

I would *love* to read more about the beginning of your nonprofit (desire, challenges, etc.). Also, I would *love* a must-read book list - an "all-inclusive" list (if you will) hilighting your top picks from all you interests/endeavors. Thanks for all your inspiration!!!

Hi Kimberly,I agree with Molly: half-pigeon is the best! I would like to see how you deal with the messier, more humdrum aspects of life...cleaning products or organizational tools you enjoy, methods for office/homekeeping tasks you use, etc. I love that you bring joy and creativity to all you do, and seeing how you bring your sparkle to ordinary tasks would be great.Thank you for all you do. I remember listening to your podcast while taking my two babies on walks...in 2006 :) You HAVE come a long way, and I've enjoyed every step. You are appreciated!

Thank you for being a consistant blogger. I remember reading your first book and was hungry for more so I googled you (what did we do before google?!). That has led to reading more of your books, reading your blog as often as I can. Listening to your pod casts. Going on one of your retreats, you sharing your tranquility at my studio, and me dreaming of being able to join you on a Paris Retreat. Keep up the good work, I love it all! You are an endless source of inspiration. I always find an intresting book you've suggested, or am inspired to break out the art journal. You are an amaazing woman!

I've been a follower since the good old HTC days. I've loved reading and listening to your posts for a long time. It's been really wonderful watching your progress and growth!

I think my favorite pose is child's pose, because that’s where I close my eyes and find my breath. When in child's pose I can focus on my thoughts and bringing them to the here and now. Every pose afterward feels better because I focused in child's pose. Also, it feels like I'm bowing in respect for something bigger than myself so that brings about good feelings of gratitude. :)

As for something to better know or understand on your musings, I would love to hear a podcast or two that is entirely you (a la HTC!). Maybe once a season you could dedicate a podcast to reader questions where we can just hear from you. Like Molly said, hearing about your mistakes and how you came through them with a bit more understanding and tranquility would be great to hear about.

I look forward to opening my browser every day to your blog and enjoying the adorable layout as well as the inspirational posts. Your drive and balance encourage me to keep moving forward, even when I start to fall backward!

Hello! Cannot wait for the anthology - your blog & your musings are the best!I also love, love pigeon pose as well as warrior sequences.Your posts & pics of books are my fav. Telling us what books you are reading, what you gain from them & showing off your stacks make me happy.Also, meditation, silence & going inward for reflection are also my favorite posts of yours.Congratulations!! I have been reading since you published your first book . :)Diana

I agree with all the other comments regarding pigeon pose, child's pose, the list of "must-read" books, but if I am left wondering & wanting to know about anything, I guess it would be how you manage your time--you have so many things going on at once, but you seem to juggle it so gracefully. I'm sure I'm not the only one fantasizing about leaving the sedentary desk job for more inspired pursuits. Also, I think I remember you saying you don't really cook much, but you are definitely mindful of what you eat--so what do you eat? How do you handle meals?

Your blog and books have inspired me, and I know the people around me have benefitted from the "Kimberly Effect" too! So heaps of gratitude to you!

I love following you Kimberly. Whilst I do love yoga; I follow you because I admire your tranquil lifestyle and it inspires me - maybe I can lead a lifestyle like this.

My favourite posts are your weekly reviews: quite simply, because they give me ideas of activities that can nourish my soul in every area of my life.

I love your 'WHEEL OF LIFE' which is in your day book and would love lots of suggestions of activities - that would be nice.

Perhaps, I'd also like to see a bit more of who's behind your blog. You share with us your family and what you do, but I also wonder about the challenges you face - e.g. working for yourself, not feeling tranquil etc.

Hi Kimberly, Thanks for all you do and for sharing so much food for thought each week! I love your blog and subscribe to your newsletters too so that I don't miss a word :)

Suggestions for consideration/feedback: My favorite pose is half-moon, but I am also a huge lover of all twists. Also, I would love to see some guidance and reminders about developing and sticking with a mission statement throughout the year.

thanks SO much for all your great feedback! i kept wondering why i was getting input on favorite yoga poses and then realized there was a typo of "pose" versus "post." ah, my apologies. i've edited it. please let me know if you have a favorite post and thank you again for all your input on this project! x

Hi Kimberly, i have been following you for many years...i love all your books, own many pieces from your clothing line, and you have become a sort of mentor for living the life i want to live. :) That being said, there are sooo many posts i love, but the ones that are sticking out in my mind right now...are your posts about going vegan/recipes, and your work with the farm sanctuary, animals are my passion and going vegan has been a long process for me...(but health issues call for it), so these have really helped me out a bunch.

Can't wait to see how the anthology turns out. :) Keep being beautiful and fabulous.

Kimberly, I'd love to know how you are able to balance work and play so successfully. I'm a busy bee but your weekly recaps blow mine out of the water. Do you have any tips on how to stay blissfully productive but in a way that aligns with what matters most to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Namaste, beautiful one! Thank you for making the world a brighter place to live!

There is nothing in particular that I would like to see added, I think you are doing a wonderful job. I just wanted to tell you that I turn the radio off and hook up my phone or tablet to listen to Tranquility du Jour. I much prefer listening to you rather than the radio! Keep doing what you are doing for all of us.

Congratulations on 10 amazing and inspirational years! My friend directed me to your blog and it has been a life changer. I’m still but a grasshopper but I am striving to get to a 100% authentic life. Thank you for helping me on my path!

I have your books..have read them several times..and each time around, I find some hidden gem that I missed from my previous read--you are an inspiration to us all Kimberly..and I especially love your posts from Paris! I am going this year for the first time, I cannot wait! C'est la vie!

I would love to understand time management better... I really struggle with my schedule! It seems like you do it all with time leftover for self-care! I'd love to understand how you structure your day and allot time to your projects. I know you've tackled this before, but I'd personally love to dig deeper.

J'adore your blog, Kimberly! I think it is very relevant to the urban-lifestyle fashionista/yogi who is committed to self-improvement and fabulosity. :)

My favorite post(s) are your travel packing tips:

As a yogi on a budget who travels a LOT, to different climates and ecosystems, for work and pleasure, I am always looking for smart ways to maximize my wardrobe while on the road. I struggle to ensure I pack enough work clothes + cute clothes for dinners, dates, swimming, yoga, hiking, etc. Your flexible, pared-down, goes-with-everything packing sugestions have been a godsend.

Kimberly - I've been a long time reader of Tranquility Du Jour and especially love your podcast! Listening to it has become a favourite Friday afternoon activity. I would love to hear more about your experiences running and growing your business. As a business owner myself, I always find it inspiring and uplifting to hear about other women's experiences with entrepreneurship.

Your blog posts offer tranquility in a jam-packed schedule. Favourite topics:- exercise, nutrition, daily routine, organisation, how you study, running a buisness, mindfulness. Favourite posts:- loved the posts about the Presidential ball you went to (could sense the atmosphere in Washington D.C.), loved a video where you had an organiser in to overhaul your office. Insights into your life (family, home, work, study) & daily routine. Future posts I would love to see:- changes as we age, dealing with critiicism, food & nutrition (more details on your diet), mindfulness and finding space.

Kimberly - I too have been listening to your podcasts and reading your blog for years. I am in awe of your weekly recaps and love reading about your thoughts and tips on time management. I also love the pictures of your favorite things each week. They are such eye candy.

Sweet Kimberly, I've been a long time reader of your blog and I've loved everything I've read here. But the posts where you have been most vulnerable stand out in my mind and have stayed in my heart. The posts where you shared your grief after your beloved grandma died moved me and lit my own path of grief as I mourned the loss of my friend. I also love how your writing took a more personal shift through your memoir writing class. You wrote a post about a trip you took to celebrate your birthday (perhaps 30th? I cannot remember the specific number) after a break up and the writing was exquisite. I've loved your Paris musings as well. You inspire me through your posts. Your authenticity is a light to the world, dear heart.

I have been listening to and recommending your podcast for years. I have changed my life by doing 15 minutes of creative time each day as recommended by one of your guests. It has helped me grow as an artist and makes me happy to start the day!

Hi Kimberly, I've been listening to your podcasts and reading your blog for over 5 years. I recently went to a tranquility pop up and took an e-course. I would love more help with developing a home practice of yoga and mindfulness. I look forward to participating in more ecourses and following along with the blog and podcasts. Congrats on 10 years of blogging!